Happy weekend! Those who are gearing up for Superbowl Sunday which is tomorrow, I hope you are ready!! Whose team are you rooting for? Let’s go 49ers! 💪 Just a note: I’m not a football fan but my family loves the Niners.

Today I’m sharing 2 simple yet tasty appetizers. They both have one thing in common: whipped feta filling. So, it’s easy to make both of these on the same day. If you love asparagus & dates then you need to read the recipes below. Ps: I adapted this recipe from the first recipe I made in my second cookbook: A Drop of Ladi & My Greek Soul. I made the original recipe in Skiathos, and it was filled with blue cheese. See notes for more. 

Stuffed Dates with Whipped Feta Filling Recipe 

Servings: 10

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of feta cheese crumbled
• 1/4 cup of cream cheese softened
• 2 tablespoons of heavy cream
• 10 dates pitted
• A sprinkle of oregano
• A sprinkle of sea salt & black pepper 

Method:

1. Mix the feta, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Add the oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix to combine. 
2. Prepare the dates; use a pairing knife to carefully slice them in the center. Open the dates up and fill each one with the feta filling. Gently push them closed.  
3. Place the dates onto a lined baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. After the dates have been cooking for 10 minutes or so, sprinkle chopped walnuts over the dates and bake until golden brown. 
4. Remove from the oven and let cool. Serve with fresh dill or parsley. 

Notes:

• You can use any cheese filling you like but I find that Feta or blue cheese is the best. 
• You can sprinkle any nuts over the dates. My preference is walnuts or pecans. 
• Make these bacon wrapped by wrapping 1 slice of bacon over each date. Insert a toothpick to hold the bacon in place. 

Phyllo Wrapped Asparagus – Ham – Feta Recipe

Ingredients:

• 10 sheets of phyllo dough
• 10 sprigs of asparagus, trim the ends 
• 10 slices of ham (you can use any meat you like)
• 1/2 cup of whipped feta 
• 1/2 cup of melted butter 

Method:

1. Prepare the phyllo sheets. Take one sheet place it onto a large surface and brush butter over the sheet. Then place one slice of ham over the phyllo, followed by a dollop of whipped feta. Add 1 sprig of asparagus over the feta. Begin to fold the phyllo sheet over the asparagus making sure to tightly roll like a cigar shape. Brush with butter then set aside on a baking sheet. Optional: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. 
2. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 25 minutes or until the phyllo dough is golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and enjoy warm. 

Notes:

Whipped feta is simply a combination of feta cheese, yogurt, and cream cheese. It is so easy to make and such a delight.

You can use any meat of your choice but I love ham or prosciutto. 

Enjoy the whipped feta recipe below. 

Whipped Feta Recipe

• 8 ounces of feta cheese
• 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt 

Method:

1. Combine the ingredients inside a food processor. Blend until smooth. 

I hope you enjoyed the two delicious Superbowl Greek recipes! Do tag us on social media if you happen to make them. Use #cookingwithkouzounaskitchen. 

Enjoy! Let’s go 49ERS!